Post by Lady Munin on Aug 21, 2015 20:01:50 GMT -6
Travis looked up from his book to glance at Munin, as the sound of an iron door knocker banging reached them in the kitchen.
Looking up from the salad she was making, Munin met his gaze with a small slightly nervous smile. She tucked a stray strand of hair from her messy bun behind her ear.
Munun: "That must be Jericho, will you let him in?"
Travis shrugged his shoulders with what he hoped was a reassuring grin, and set his book to the side on the wooden table.
Travis: "Sure."
His smile did the trick, and Munin felt her nerves settle. She was still unsettled slightly by what she was starting to think of as the "incident". Even after filing a report and having the locks and security system changed it was hard not to feel violated...and betrayed. She couldn't show that though, Travis worried enough as it was, and she wasn't about to give him a reason to worry more. Especially since he seemed to be dealing with everything so well, despite his initial blow up.
Having Jericho here would actually be more of a comfort than she cared to dwell on at the moment.
Travis made his way through the open kitchen door and down the short hall to the foyer. He personally liked to think of the hallway as a barrier between their actual living space and the formal space that Munin used for business.
The formal areas were all decorated in contemporary victorian style. Their wood floors covered with oriental rugs that corresponded with the various pale hues of the room they were in. It was all elegantly normal like you would expect a renovated southern plantation home to be until you looked closely at the art work. The rest of the house was another matter, and reflected all the eclectic elegance of its owner.
Travis reached the door just before Jericho could raise his hand to knock again.
He was more than a little eager to meet the new man in his mother's life. Knowing that he should likely be more upset with it all than he was, but not worrying over it overly much. He felt secure enough after talking about Munin about the situation, and neither of them were really what you would consider normal. So why should he have to deal with things the way everyone else would.
Besides having another guy in the house put his mind at ease after what Alex pulled the other night.
Opening the book he was greeted by the sight of Jericho dropping his free hand back to his side, and bag thrown over one shoulder.
Travis: "Hey, come on in my mom is making dinner. She figured you would be getting her around this time. I'm Travis by the way, even though I know you already know that."
The young boy stepped out of the way to allow the large man into the house. Ready to ambush the man with his first test..
Travis: "So you're the Dread King, and you're sleeping with my mom."
He seemed to give this thought and Jericho's overall appearance heavy consideration.
Travis: "I guess I'm cool with that, but heads up if you leave the seat up she get pissed and even."
Jericho: "Yes and yes. Though we don't do much sleeping."
After a look of surprise Travis alternates between dying with laughter and trying to gag.
Travis: "Duuude! I don't know whether to puke or congratulate you. I'm gonna have nightmares and wake up in the middle of the night to puke. MOM! Your new boyfriend has just mentally and emotionally scarred your favorite son!"
Still jetlagged, it takes the young man's cries to make Jericho realise what he just said. With a slight cringe, he mentally kicks himself.
Munin's overly dramatic sigh can be heard from the open kitchen door.
Munin: "That was faster than I thought it would be, and you're my only son Travis."
Travis met Jericho's gaze his eyes shining with a very familiar mischievousness.
Travis: "Still your favorite son! Hey, you want me to take your bag upstairs while you say hi? One nightmare inducing comment is enough for me. I don't actually want to see you greet each other."
Jericho: It's ok, no need. Sorry for the trauma.
Jericho walked into the house, closing the front door behind him. Taking a minute, he looks around at the items hanging on the walls. It would let him glimpse another aspect of Munin's mindset that others may not be so privy to.
One of the paintings that caught his eye was vibrant in contrast to the pale green of the walls of the entrance way. It depicted a grove of trees in the midst of Autumn. The leaves almost glow with rich reds, orange, and gold leaves, against the grey backdrop of the sky. One dark tree with naked boughs stood at the center of the trees. A man in a black suit and top hat sat beneath its barren branches.
The picture was beautiful and yet would seem slightly unsettling to some.
Travis shrugged at the large man's refusal, and noticed him looking at the painting. He shook his head at Munin's choice of art with a chuckle.
Travis: "Yeah, that's one of the less morbid paintings you'll find in the formal areas of the house. Don't worry about the trauma by the way...all things considered it was minimal. Besides that I prefer to have honest responses when talking to someone."
Jericho: Honesty, I can do. Best way forward.
Travis could only nod in agreement, getting used to this man might be easier than he thought, but he wasn't holding his breath just yet. Not that he had to right away or anything it wasn't like he was moving in.
Travis: "Well I'm going to go watch some T.V. until dinner is done. The kitchen is on the left, well actually its on the way to the stairs so I might as well show you."
With that the thirteen year old turned with a gesture to follow him.
Jericho does so and is soon standing at the open kitchen door watching as Travis disappears up the winding stairway.
He enters the kitchen to find it surprisingly different from what he has seen of the house so far. The large room had an almost pub like feel, with distressed brick walls and bare wooden floors and counters. Copper pots and drying herbs hung on the walls along with a high variety of cooking knives sharpened to perfection. A medium size round table sats with a booth in the back corner, and large windows look out over the back of the property. Not that there is much you can see at this hour of the night. A few blues and underground rock posters took up the rest of the available wall space.
Munin fit the room perfectly as she stirred a pot of something on the stove. She was dressed in worn jeans and an old rock concert shirt, and one of her bare feet was tapping to a softly playing blues song.
He walks over to her after setting his bag down and wraps his arms around her, picking the young woman up off her feet.
Jericho: "Hello Munin..."
Munin laughed surprise at being suddenly airborne, but was delighted to be in his arms.
Munin: "Well hello handsome, how was your deranged flight across the country?"
Jericho: Would have been boring if I didn't have anything keeping my mind occupied.
Seeing her now, all business as usual relieves him. Visibly.
His obvious relief did not go unnoticed, and it pleased Munin to see the tension leave him. She hated to be the cause of stress or worry for him.
Munin: "I'm ok, sociopath queen of chaos remember?"
She leaned her forehead against his with a small smile.
Munin: "But you being here..."
Some how she wasn't quite sure how to put into words what she needed to convey. Everyone knew that Munin was no damsel in distress, but at the same time Alex's latest stunt had affected her. Sure she could put that to the side and keep on going as if nothing was wrong, but not having to do that alone meant the world to her.
So unable to find the proper words she settles for kissing him softly and deeply.
Pulling back from the kiss slowly she smiled at him, her own stress having faded away with the stress.
Munin: "I'm happy you came..."
Jericho: Of course I did. I wouldn't just sit by and hope for the best. Now tell me how you're really feeling.
Munin grew quiet for a moment before sighing in relief. Jericho was the definition of stubborn and she knew he wouldn't give up until she was honest.
Munin: "This is my home, it's not like the other houses I buy, and sell. He knew that and he violated it..."
She shook her head at a loss for words.
Munin: "I honestly think that I'm feeling to much to know exactly what emotion to go with. I was feeling mostly anger, but at this point I'm just kinda numb from it. "
Keeping her close, he brings her head to his chest, cradling it with his left hand. Munin could hold her own, but in his mind, that was no reason not to want to protect her.
Jericho: You'll be alright. I'm here for you.
Munin held onto him tightly, feeling as if a wall inside of her was crumbling. Dimly she marveled at how easily this man slipped through her mental and emotional barriers. She soaked in as much of his strength and comfort as she could, admitting to herself that she needed it.
Munin: "I still don't understand why he would do this to me. Did he even stop to consider how it could affect Travis?"
Jericho: He wanted to send a message. I don't think he thought about anything outside of accomplishing that. He chose badly.
The matter-of-fact way in which he said it wasn't exactly indicative of anything that could be passed off as nice.
Munin: "What message did he think he would send by leaving a necklace on my dresser? Why not just mail it?"
Jericho: From what I gather, it was that he could still get to you. He made it clear in his past pre-show rants that he thinks us being together is to get at him.
Munin: "I'm starting to think that he's lost his mind, and I worry about Travis more than myself. He seems to be dealing with it fairly well, but I guess only time will tell..."
Jericho: After this, Alex likely wishes his mind is all he lost, so don't worry about him, Munie. It's ok.
She nodded her head against his chest, and relaxed against him completely. That is until a spicy creamy cheese aroma reached her nose.
Munin: "My sauce!"
She wiggled slightly in his grasp to signal for him to let her down.
Grudgingly, he sets Munin down to her feet, but ends up taking amusement from the urgency in her voice. He still couldn't believe how well he was managing so far. His nerves at the idea of what he's getting into seemed surprisingly easy to deal with. Then again, given his life, it leaves very little to be afraid of.
She quickly stirred the pot checking to make sure her sauce hadn't burnt.
Munin: "Hmm, I caught it just in time, and that means dinner's almost ready. Are you hungry yet?"
Jericho: Definitely.
Munin: "You don't mind having Cajun chicken Alfredo with mashed potatoes and salad on the side do you?"
Her tone was teasing, because she knew all to well that it was his favorite.
Eyes widening slightly, he hesitates before answering, in order to stop himself from sounding more enthusiastic than would be reasonable. Then again, he is hungry, and she is almost done cooking it.
Jericho: No complaints from me!
She chuckled at his enthusiasm with a pleased smirk, and took pity on his surely empty stomach.
Munin: "I made extra chicken, and the breadsticks are done."
She gestured to two platters resting on a warm hot plate. Dinner plates were already stacked beside waiting to be used.
His eyes move over the area, clearly happy with the idea of extra chicken. If the way to a man's heart truly is through the stomach, it seems Munin knows exactly what she's doing.
Munin: "Yes extra chicken, because always complain that there is never enough. Which historically speaking sparks a whole conversation on the topic with Leon. Who agrees wholeheartedly that there is indeed never enough chicken."
Her smirk is still firmly in place as she checks on her pasta, and takes it off the stove to drain.
Munin: "See, I do pay attention."
Jericho grins, remembering that same issue brought up by his friend.
Jericho: never one to turn down more chicken, especially Cajun.
Munin: "Well you can have some now, or if you can put your bag upstairs. This is actually done already, so I'll have the table set by the time you get back."
Jericho: I'll put my bag away first.
Munin nodded her head at his word, she'd already figured that would be his choice.
Munin: "The stairs are to the left and my room is the last door in the hallway."
Jericho: "I'll be right back then."
With that Jericho picked up his previously discarded bag and headed for the stairs. Soon he was walking down the tan and cream colored hallway on the second floor. Passing by closed doors and more of Munin's peculiar choices of artwork. It was a short hallway though so it didn't take long for him to reach the last door.
Opening the door, he steps inside and stops, surprised and impressed by what Munin had done with her room.
The style of the room could only be described as Contemporary Gothic with the walls painted a soft grey and the floor a whiskey hued wood. The room was actually done mostly in shades of grey with only a few splashes of rich color to keep it from being depressing.
This color mostly came from jewel toned tiffany lamps and a small chandelier.
The knick knacks and furniture in the room were sparse. A large ornate four poster bed of the same wood as the floor dominated one side of the room. The beddings a luxurious mixture of grey fabrics, while the under sheets and pillows were a bright red and bright red. The oriental rug that the bed rested on mimicked the colors or the bed, and the tiffany lamps were set on night stands at either side of the bed. An old fashioned alarm clock and picture frame took up space on the nightstand on the right side of bed. Indicating that this was likely the side that Munin prefered.
The other side of the room opposite to the bed had two doors and a small fire place in the corner. This corner was obviously Munin's reading area judging by the overstuffed wingback chair that was surrounded by book shelves stuffed with books. A small antique wooden table beside the chair had a decanter full of what could only be Munin's favorite whiskey, two crystal tumblers, one antique slender wooden box, and another picture frame. Dark grey and silver drapes covered what appeared to be two large windows.
The room could have been considered more feminine if not for the vast array of weapons that decorated the walls like works of art. The collection seemed to span various time periods and cultures, and in their own way they too sometimes added color to the room.
Jericho: Wow...
This room was quite a mix of everything he knows about Munin and, besides her naked, was the most breathtaking sight he could have expected to see in her home. Setting his bag down and out of the way, he turns back to the door and closes it as he leaves. If he didn't choose to do so now, he'd probably live in that room like some kind of deranged pet.
Travis came out of his room as Jericho made his way back to the stairs.
Travis: "Dinner's done?"
Jericho: I think so. We should go find out. Coming?
Travis: "Hell yeah she made extra chicken."
Jericho: I was thinking the same thing.
Travis chuckled as they made their way down the stairs.
Travis: "Yes but have you seeen this mythical extra chicken? It's a whole platter full! Mom said something about using it for chicken salad tomorrow if we have leftovers."
He shrugged his shoulders as they made the first floor landing.
Travis: "She hates waste, which is cool. There are too many people that waste shit out of sheer laziness and because they can."
Jericho: True. I seriously doubt there's gonna be any wasted chicken, though.
The younger male snorted as they walked into the kitchen.
Travis: "Not likely..."
Munin looked up from the refrigerator as they walked in.
Munin: "Foods on the table dig in, Travis the tea is already set out as well. Jericho what do want to drink? I have a German beer, hard cider, and a mead if you want something alcoholic. Otherwise there is tea or water...I have to pick up more milk and juice."
She says this last part more to herself than to him.
Travis sat down with the that only a starving thirteen year old boy presented with a feast can produce.
Travis: "This looks great, thanks for setting the tea out."
The temptation was very much there, but he'd have to be careful these days. One drink didn't hurt, but more would likely be a foolish risk.
Jericho: Mead? Sounds great.
Munin: "Mmmk, I don't really keep much of it in the house, but having a small stash is nice."
Snagging a bottle she joins them at the table, having already poured herself some water.
Munin: "You two seem to be getting on decently enough. Neither of you are bloody and that's typically a good indicator on both your parts."
Her tone was slightly teasing, but she really was happy to see that Travis appeared fairly at ease around the older man.
Travis himself shrugged at her words as he finished chewing his food.
Travis: "He seems honest and that makes him pretty ok in my book."
Jericho: Thanks. By the way, I don't go about beating up teenagers, you'll be fine.
Travis and Munin both chuckled at his response as the continued to eat.
Travis: "Hey mom are you ok if I head over to Jay's house in the morning? Mamere has a bunch of chores for him in her garden, and I was wondering if I could stay the night."
Munin: "That sounds fine to me, but I'll be calling to check in on you."
The teen rolled his eyes, but was obviously pleased that she cared enough to check.
Travis: "Yes ma'am."
Munin smirked before she spoke her next words, already prepared for the reaction.
Munin: "That also means you will have to make up a training session."
An over dramatic groan was his immediate reply.
Travis: "You know that wouldn't be so bad if we had a pool and hot tub..."
Munin: "Nice try squirt but quit while you're ahead. I'm already letting you weasel out of waxing the floors with me tomorrow."
Travis: "Yeah but you have Jericho here, wax the floors with him."
And at that Munin began to choke on her water.
There is silence at the table as Munin regains her breath, until it is broken.
Travis: "Mom...you have a dirty mind."
Jericho's eyes shut tight as he tries not to laugh, chewing cautiously to avoid choking.
Munin: "Travis..."
Travis: "Ok I'll shut up, no need for the voice of death. That makes me feel like you are going to kil...I'm shutting up."
Jericho: Dinner and a show... turning out to be a pretty good night.
Travis grinned at that, happy to know that at least someone appreciated his witty conversation skills.
Travis: "Tips are welcome good sir."
Munin rolled her eyes at both of them more amused than she was willing to let on. If Travis had his ego fed any more there would be no living with him.
Munin: "Alright mister comedian don't forget to clean off your plate when you're done."
Finishing off his second helping and his tea, the young boy complies to her words. The speed and appetite of teen boys when they eat is surely a natural wonder.
Travis: "Dishes are in the washer, and unless you need me I'm going upstairs."
Shaking her head Munin waved him off.
Munin: "I cleaned up as I cooked, I just have to put our plates and the food away. Good night."
Travis: "Cool, dinner was great by the way. Nice meeting you Jericho I'll likely see you tomorrow."
Jericho: Yeah, I'll see you. Good to meet you too.
A comfortable silence descended on the table as Travis left the room with a final wave. Without his chatter blues music could be heard still playing softly in the background.
Jericho turned to look at Munin with a smile.
Jericho: Seems like a good lad.
Munin: "He is, thank you. Sometimes I think he is better than I deserve."
She smiled him over the rim of her glass, as she took a sip of her water.
Munin: "I think that went pretty well."
Jericho: I've definitely had worse first encounters, that was surprisingly easy.
Munin had to chuckle at that.
Munin: "Says the man who didn't choke on his drink."
The Dread King shrugs, giving a wide grin.
Jericho: Come on, that was funny.
Munin fought valiantly but couldn't hold out against his grin. She finally broke down and giggled.
Munin: "Ok you're right it was, but don't tell him."
Jericho: How can I not encourage that?
She pushed her plate away, and leaned back in her chair with a smile still firmly in place. She wasn't sure how this first encounter would go, and was ecstatic that it had gone so well.
Still going at his meal, Jericho returns her smile, feeling good, if slightly out of place. Assuming it will pass, he enjoys yet more chicken.
Munin: "Did you want another helping while I clean up?"
He thinks for a moment as his heart misses a beat. More food? His eyes said "yes, yes", but his stomach said "fuck that, I'll be full after this one".
Jericho: No, I'm good. I think I've eaten most of a farm by now. Thanks, though.
Munin simply smiled as she began to gather up the food and dishes, turning the music up slightly as she passed the small stereo crafted to look like a vintage radio.
She was quick and methodical as she cleaned up, humming along to the music as she rinsed off the dishes.
Getting up, Jericho looks around, not sure what he should do. After a brief thought, he heads to the kitchen.
Jericho: Want help?
Munin: "No, I'm almost done, and you sir must be exhausted. I will take a kiss though."
Happy to oblige, he walks over and puts an arm around her waist, kissing her.
Wrapping her arms around him she leans into the kiss.
Taking his other hand, Jericho moves her hair behind her ear before resting it on her cheek, stroking her face with his thumb.
Munin: "You must be exhausted..."
Jericho: A bit.
His gaze rests on her dark eyes, a look of contentment on his face.
Jericho: But now that I'm here, I also feel better.
She turned her cheek in his hand to plant a small kiss on his wrist.
Munin: "And I feel better having you here."
Looking up from the salad she was making, Munin met his gaze with a small slightly nervous smile. She tucked a stray strand of hair from her messy bun behind her ear.
Munun: "That must be Jericho, will you let him in?"
Travis shrugged his shoulders with what he hoped was a reassuring grin, and set his book to the side on the wooden table.
Travis: "Sure."
His smile did the trick, and Munin felt her nerves settle. She was still unsettled slightly by what she was starting to think of as the "incident". Even after filing a report and having the locks and security system changed it was hard not to feel violated...and betrayed. She couldn't show that though, Travis worried enough as it was, and she wasn't about to give him a reason to worry more. Especially since he seemed to be dealing with everything so well, despite his initial blow up.
Having Jericho here would actually be more of a comfort than she cared to dwell on at the moment.
Travis made his way through the open kitchen door and down the short hall to the foyer. He personally liked to think of the hallway as a barrier between their actual living space and the formal space that Munin used for business.
The formal areas were all decorated in contemporary victorian style. Their wood floors covered with oriental rugs that corresponded with the various pale hues of the room they were in. It was all elegantly normal like you would expect a renovated southern plantation home to be until you looked closely at the art work. The rest of the house was another matter, and reflected all the eclectic elegance of its owner.
Travis reached the door just before Jericho could raise his hand to knock again.
He was more than a little eager to meet the new man in his mother's life. Knowing that he should likely be more upset with it all than he was, but not worrying over it overly much. He felt secure enough after talking about Munin about the situation, and neither of them were really what you would consider normal. So why should he have to deal with things the way everyone else would.
Besides having another guy in the house put his mind at ease after what Alex pulled the other night.
Opening the book he was greeted by the sight of Jericho dropping his free hand back to his side, and bag thrown over one shoulder.
Travis: "Hey, come on in my mom is making dinner. She figured you would be getting her around this time. I'm Travis by the way, even though I know you already know that."
The young boy stepped out of the way to allow the large man into the house. Ready to ambush the man with his first test..
Travis: "So you're the Dread King, and you're sleeping with my mom."
He seemed to give this thought and Jericho's overall appearance heavy consideration.
Travis: "I guess I'm cool with that, but heads up if you leave the seat up she get pissed and even."
Jericho: "Yes and yes. Though we don't do much sleeping."
After a look of surprise Travis alternates between dying with laughter and trying to gag.
Travis: "Duuude! I don't know whether to puke or congratulate you. I'm gonna have nightmares and wake up in the middle of the night to puke. MOM! Your new boyfriend has just mentally and emotionally scarred your favorite son!"
Still jetlagged, it takes the young man's cries to make Jericho realise what he just said. With a slight cringe, he mentally kicks himself.
Munin's overly dramatic sigh can be heard from the open kitchen door.
Munin: "That was faster than I thought it would be, and you're my only son Travis."
Travis met Jericho's gaze his eyes shining with a very familiar mischievousness.
Travis: "Still your favorite son! Hey, you want me to take your bag upstairs while you say hi? One nightmare inducing comment is enough for me. I don't actually want to see you greet each other."
Jericho: It's ok, no need. Sorry for the trauma.
Jericho walked into the house, closing the front door behind him. Taking a minute, he looks around at the items hanging on the walls. It would let him glimpse another aspect of Munin's mindset that others may not be so privy to.
One of the paintings that caught his eye was vibrant in contrast to the pale green of the walls of the entrance way. It depicted a grove of trees in the midst of Autumn. The leaves almost glow with rich reds, orange, and gold leaves, against the grey backdrop of the sky. One dark tree with naked boughs stood at the center of the trees. A man in a black suit and top hat sat beneath its barren branches.
The picture was beautiful and yet would seem slightly unsettling to some.
Travis shrugged at the large man's refusal, and noticed him looking at the painting. He shook his head at Munin's choice of art with a chuckle.
Travis: "Yeah, that's one of the less morbid paintings you'll find in the formal areas of the house. Don't worry about the trauma by the way...all things considered it was minimal. Besides that I prefer to have honest responses when talking to someone."
Jericho: Honesty, I can do. Best way forward.
Travis could only nod in agreement, getting used to this man might be easier than he thought, but he wasn't holding his breath just yet. Not that he had to right away or anything it wasn't like he was moving in.
Travis: "Well I'm going to go watch some T.V. until dinner is done. The kitchen is on the left, well actually its on the way to the stairs so I might as well show you."
With that the thirteen year old turned with a gesture to follow him.
Jericho does so and is soon standing at the open kitchen door watching as Travis disappears up the winding stairway.
He enters the kitchen to find it surprisingly different from what he has seen of the house so far. The large room had an almost pub like feel, with distressed brick walls and bare wooden floors and counters. Copper pots and drying herbs hung on the walls along with a high variety of cooking knives sharpened to perfection. A medium size round table sats with a booth in the back corner, and large windows look out over the back of the property. Not that there is much you can see at this hour of the night. A few blues and underground rock posters took up the rest of the available wall space.
Munin fit the room perfectly as she stirred a pot of something on the stove. She was dressed in worn jeans and an old rock concert shirt, and one of her bare feet was tapping to a softly playing blues song.
He walks over to her after setting his bag down and wraps his arms around her, picking the young woman up off her feet.
Jericho: "Hello Munin..."
Munin laughed surprise at being suddenly airborne, but was delighted to be in his arms.
Munin: "Well hello handsome, how was your deranged flight across the country?"
Jericho: Would have been boring if I didn't have anything keeping my mind occupied.
Seeing her now, all business as usual relieves him. Visibly.
His obvious relief did not go unnoticed, and it pleased Munin to see the tension leave him. She hated to be the cause of stress or worry for him.
Munin: "I'm ok, sociopath queen of chaos remember?"
She leaned her forehead against his with a small smile.
Munin: "But you being here..."
Some how she wasn't quite sure how to put into words what she needed to convey. Everyone knew that Munin was no damsel in distress, but at the same time Alex's latest stunt had affected her. Sure she could put that to the side and keep on going as if nothing was wrong, but not having to do that alone meant the world to her.
So unable to find the proper words she settles for kissing him softly and deeply.
Pulling back from the kiss slowly she smiled at him, her own stress having faded away with the stress.
Munin: "I'm happy you came..."
Jericho: Of course I did. I wouldn't just sit by and hope for the best. Now tell me how you're really feeling.
Munin grew quiet for a moment before sighing in relief. Jericho was the definition of stubborn and she knew he wouldn't give up until she was honest.
Munin: "This is my home, it's not like the other houses I buy, and sell. He knew that and he violated it..."
She shook her head at a loss for words.
Munin: "I honestly think that I'm feeling to much to know exactly what emotion to go with. I was feeling mostly anger, but at this point I'm just kinda numb from it. "
Keeping her close, he brings her head to his chest, cradling it with his left hand. Munin could hold her own, but in his mind, that was no reason not to want to protect her.
Jericho: You'll be alright. I'm here for you.
Munin held onto him tightly, feeling as if a wall inside of her was crumbling. Dimly she marveled at how easily this man slipped through her mental and emotional barriers. She soaked in as much of his strength and comfort as she could, admitting to herself that she needed it.
Munin: "I still don't understand why he would do this to me. Did he even stop to consider how it could affect Travis?"
Jericho: He wanted to send a message. I don't think he thought about anything outside of accomplishing that. He chose badly.
The matter-of-fact way in which he said it wasn't exactly indicative of anything that could be passed off as nice.
Munin: "What message did he think he would send by leaving a necklace on my dresser? Why not just mail it?"
Jericho: From what I gather, it was that he could still get to you. He made it clear in his past pre-show rants that he thinks us being together is to get at him.
Munin: "I'm starting to think that he's lost his mind, and I worry about Travis more than myself. He seems to be dealing with it fairly well, but I guess only time will tell..."
Jericho: After this, Alex likely wishes his mind is all he lost, so don't worry about him, Munie. It's ok.
She nodded her head against his chest, and relaxed against him completely. That is until a spicy creamy cheese aroma reached her nose.
Munin: "My sauce!"
She wiggled slightly in his grasp to signal for him to let her down.
Grudgingly, he sets Munin down to her feet, but ends up taking amusement from the urgency in her voice. He still couldn't believe how well he was managing so far. His nerves at the idea of what he's getting into seemed surprisingly easy to deal with. Then again, given his life, it leaves very little to be afraid of.
She quickly stirred the pot checking to make sure her sauce hadn't burnt.
Munin: "Hmm, I caught it just in time, and that means dinner's almost ready. Are you hungry yet?"
Jericho: Definitely.
Munin: "You don't mind having Cajun chicken Alfredo with mashed potatoes and salad on the side do you?"
Her tone was teasing, because she knew all to well that it was his favorite.
Eyes widening slightly, he hesitates before answering, in order to stop himself from sounding more enthusiastic than would be reasonable. Then again, he is hungry, and she is almost done cooking it.
Jericho: No complaints from me!
She chuckled at his enthusiasm with a pleased smirk, and took pity on his surely empty stomach.
Munin: "I made extra chicken, and the breadsticks are done."
She gestured to two platters resting on a warm hot plate. Dinner plates were already stacked beside waiting to be used.
His eyes move over the area, clearly happy with the idea of extra chicken. If the way to a man's heart truly is through the stomach, it seems Munin knows exactly what she's doing.
Munin: "Yes extra chicken, because always complain that there is never enough. Which historically speaking sparks a whole conversation on the topic with Leon. Who agrees wholeheartedly that there is indeed never enough chicken."
Her smirk is still firmly in place as she checks on her pasta, and takes it off the stove to drain.
Munin: "See, I do pay attention."
Jericho grins, remembering that same issue brought up by his friend.
Jericho: never one to turn down more chicken, especially Cajun.
Munin: "Well you can have some now, or if you can put your bag upstairs. This is actually done already, so I'll have the table set by the time you get back."
Jericho: I'll put my bag away first.
Munin nodded her head at his word, she'd already figured that would be his choice.
Munin: "The stairs are to the left and my room is the last door in the hallway."
Jericho: "I'll be right back then."
With that Jericho picked up his previously discarded bag and headed for the stairs. Soon he was walking down the tan and cream colored hallway on the second floor. Passing by closed doors and more of Munin's peculiar choices of artwork. It was a short hallway though so it didn't take long for him to reach the last door.
Opening the door, he steps inside and stops, surprised and impressed by what Munin had done with her room.
The style of the room could only be described as Contemporary Gothic with the walls painted a soft grey and the floor a whiskey hued wood. The room was actually done mostly in shades of grey with only a few splashes of rich color to keep it from being depressing.
This color mostly came from jewel toned tiffany lamps and a small chandelier.
The knick knacks and furniture in the room were sparse. A large ornate four poster bed of the same wood as the floor dominated one side of the room. The beddings a luxurious mixture of grey fabrics, while the under sheets and pillows were a bright red and bright red. The oriental rug that the bed rested on mimicked the colors or the bed, and the tiffany lamps were set on night stands at either side of the bed. An old fashioned alarm clock and picture frame took up space on the nightstand on the right side of bed. Indicating that this was likely the side that Munin prefered.
The other side of the room opposite to the bed had two doors and a small fire place in the corner. This corner was obviously Munin's reading area judging by the overstuffed wingback chair that was surrounded by book shelves stuffed with books. A small antique wooden table beside the chair had a decanter full of what could only be Munin's favorite whiskey, two crystal tumblers, one antique slender wooden box, and another picture frame. Dark grey and silver drapes covered what appeared to be two large windows.
The room could have been considered more feminine if not for the vast array of weapons that decorated the walls like works of art. The collection seemed to span various time periods and cultures, and in their own way they too sometimes added color to the room.
Jericho: Wow...
This room was quite a mix of everything he knows about Munin and, besides her naked, was the most breathtaking sight he could have expected to see in her home. Setting his bag down and out of the way, he turns back to the door and closes it as he leaves. If he didn't choose to do so now, he'd probably live in that room like some kind of deranged pet.
Travis came out of his room as Jericho made his way back to the stairs.
Travis: "Dinner's done?"
Jericho: I think so. We should go find out. Coming?
Travis: "Hell yeah she made extra chicken."
Jericho: I was thinking the same thing.
Travis chuckled as they made their way down the stairs.
Travis: "Yes but have you seeen this mythical extra chicken? It's a whole platter full! Mom said something about using it for chicken salad tomorrow if we have leftovers."
He shrugged his shoulders as they made the first floor landing.
Travis: "She hates waste, which is cool. There are too many people that waste shit out of sheer laziness and because they can."
Jericho: True. I seriously doubt there's gonna be any wasted chicken, though.
The younger male snorted as they walked into the kitchen.
Travis: "Not likely..."
Munin looked up from the refrigerator as they walked in.
Munin: "Foods on the table dig in, Travis the tea is already set out as well. Jericho what do want to drink? I have a German beer, hard cider, and a mead if you want something alcoholic. Otherwise there is tea or water...I have to pick up more milk and juice."
She says this last part more to herself than to him.
Travis sat down with the that only a starving thirteen year old boy presented with a feast can produce.
Travis: "This looks great, thanks for setting the tea out."
The temptation was very much there, but he'd have to be careful these days. One drink didn't hurt, but more would likely be a foolish risk.
Jericho: Mead? Sounds great.
Munin: "Mmmk, I don't really keep much of it in the house, but having a small stash is nice."
Snagging a bottle she joins them at the table, having already poured herself some water.
Munin: "You two seem to be getting on decently enough. Neither of you are bloody and that's typically a good indicator on both your parts."
Her tone was slightly teasing, but she really was happy to see that Travis appeared fairly at ease around the older man.
Travis himself shrugged at her words as he finished chewing his food.
Travis: "He seems honest and that makes him pretty ok in my book."
Jericho: Thanks. By the way, I don't go about beating up teenagers, you'll be fine.
Travis and Munin both chuckled at his response as the continued to eat.
Travis: "Hey mom are you ok if I head over to Jay's house in the morning? Mamere has a bunch of chores for him in her garden, and I was wondering if I could stay the night."
Munin: "That sounds fine to me, but I'll be calling to check in on you."
The teen rolled his eyes, but was obviously pleased that she cared enough to check.
Travis: "Yes ma'am."
Munin smirked before she spoke her next words, already prepared for the reaction.
Munin: "That also means you will have to make up a training session."
An over dramatic groan was his immediate reply.
Travis: "You know that wouldn't be so bad if we had a pool and hot tub..."
Munin: "Nice try squirt but quit while you're ahead. I'm already letting you weasel out of waxing the floors with me tomorrow."
Travis: "Yeah but you have Jericho here, wax the floors with him."
And at that Munin began to choke on her water.
There is silence at the table as Munin regains her breath, until it is broken.
Travis: "Mom...you have a dirty mind."
Jericho's eyes shut tight as he tries not to laugh, chewing cautiously to avoid choking.
Munin: "Travis..."
Travis: "Ok I'll shut up, no need for the voice of death. That makes me feel like you are going to kil...I'm shutting up."
Jericho: Dinner and a show... turning out to be a pretty good night.
Travis grinned at that, happy to know that at least someone appreciated his witty conversation skills.
Travis: "Tips are welcome good sir."
Munin rolled her eyes at both of them more amused than she was willing to let on. If Travis had his ego fed any more there would be no living with him.
Munin: "Alright mister comedian don't forget to clean off your plate when you're done."
Finishing off his second helping and his tea, the young boy complies to her words. The speed and appetite of teen boys when they eat is surely a natural wonder.
Travis: "Dishes are in the washer, and unless you need me I'm going upstairs."
Shaking her head Munin waved him off.
Munin: "I cleaned up as I cooked, I just have to put our plates and the food away. Good night."
Travis: "Cool, dinner was great by the way. Nice meeting you Jericho I'll likely see you tomorrow."
Jericho: Yeah, I'll see you. Good to meet you too.
A comfortable silence descended on the table as Travis left the room with a final wave. Without his chatter blues music could be heard still playing softly in the background.
Jericho turned to look at Munin with a smile.
Jericho: Seems like a good lad.
Munin: "He is, thank you. Sometimes I think he is better than I deserve."
She smiled him over the rim of her glass, as she took a sip of her water.
Munin: "I think that went pretty well."
Jericho: I've definitely had worse first encounters, that was surprisingly easy.
Munin had to chuckle at that.
Munin: "Says the man who didn't choke on his drink."
The Dread King shrugs, giving a wide grin.
Jericho: Come on, that was funny.
Munin fought valiantly but couldn't hold out against his grin. She finally broke down and giggled.
Munin: "Ok you're right it was, but don't tell him."
Jericho: How can I not encourage that?
She pushed her plate away, and leaned back in her chair with a smile still firmly in place. She wasn't sure how this first encounter would go, and was ecstatic that it had gone so well.
Still going at his meal, Jericho returns her smile, feeling good, if slightly out of place. Assuming it will pass, he enjoys yet more chicken.
Munin: "Did you want another helping while I clean up?"
He thinks for a moment as his heart misses a beat. More food? His eyes said "yes, yes", but his stomach said "fuck that, I'll be full after this one".
Jericho: No, I'm good. I think I've eaten most of a farm by now. Thanks, though.
Munin simply smiled as she began to gather up the food and dishes, turning the music up slightly as she passed the small stereo crafted to look like a vintage radio.
She was quick and methodical as she cleaned up, humming along to the music as she rinsed off the dishes.
Getting up, Jericho looks around, not sure what he should do. After a brief thought, he heads to the kitchen.
Jericho: Want help?
Munin: "No, I'm almost done, and you sir must be exhausted. I will take a kiss though."
Happy to oblige, he walks over and puts an arm around her waist, kissing her.
Wrapping her arms around him she leans into the kiss.
Taking his other hand, Jericho moves her hair behind her ear before resting it on her cheek, stroking her face with his thumb.
Munin: "You must be exhausted..."
Jericho: A bit.
His gaze rests on her dark eyes, a look of contentment on his face.
Jericho: But now that I'm here, I also feel better.
She turned her cheek in his hand to plant a small kiss on his wrist.
Munin: "And I feel better having you here."
